A joyful wedding celebration in Tamworth, New Hampshire, turned chaotic Saturday afternoon when part of a venue’s floor suddenly collapsed, sending dozens of guests into the basement below and injuring several people.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at a popular countryside venue during a ceremony attended by roughly 140 guests. Authorities confirmed that six individuals were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. By late evening, four of those treated had already been released.
According to officials, more than 100 people had gathered inside a structure known as the “Sap House” when the flooring gave way. The collapse created an opening estimated at 20 feet by 20 feet, causing approximately 70 people to fall into the lower level. Some guests were briefly trapped beneath fallen beams and around farm equipment stored in the basement.
Before emergency crews arrived, wedding guests and venue staff quickly stepped in to help. Ladders were used to assist those who had fallen, and first aid was provided to individuals with minor injuries. It remains unclear how many people were treated on-site.
Emergency responders described a chaotic scene, with nearly half of the main floor area caving in. Additional crews were called in to assist with witness interviews and to safely remove individuals from the damaged building.
Photographs released by authorities show wedding decorations still hanging from the ceiling above splintered floorboards and displaced seating that had been arranged for the ceremony.
Investigators believe the building may have been over capacity at the time of the collapse. Officials are continuing to examine structural conditions and occupancy levels to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Tamworth, a small town near the western Maine border, has a population of about 2,800 residents. The investigation into the collapse remains ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety of similar venues in the area.
